This week’s podcast covers the teaching from 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 with our Executive Pastor, Mike Steinwender taking the lead in the discussion with Todd and Christian. These 5 verses include Paul’s heartfelt plea for the believers to pray for him and Silas and Timothy as they continue preaching the truth of Jesus Christ as they did when they visited Thessalonica. Paul goes on to encourage them to remain steadfast in Christ in their suffering, and to remember the faithfulness of God and His provision and protection from evil men. Mike reminds us of Paul’s later teaching in I Corthinians 10:13 (which we have the blessing of knowing) where we are promised that no amount of temptation can overtake us and that God is always faithful and will provide a way of escape so that we can endure the trial. The pastors conclude this podcast with a raw and honest discussion about the acceptability of asking God for our suffering to end, but also realizing the transformative work of God often happens during intense trials. Quoting Paul’s remarks in I Corinthians 16:8-9 where he explains that he will stay in Ephesus… “for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries”, suggesting to us that the best opportunities to spread the gospel are often accompanied by strong opposition. We need not be dismayed but rather proceed courageously knowing God is always faithful!

In this week’s podcast Bob Kreycik joins Todd and Christian in a discussion on 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17. Bob reminds us that this letter from Paul is addressed to young, first generation Christians that are struggling in their faith and are under persecution. Bob focuses on verse 13, assuring them (and us) that God chose them to believe in the saving work of Christ and that their sanctification will come through the Spirit and their belief in the truth. The men then link this truth to the Old Testament promise that God would choose a people for Himself, and for His glory. For the Bible nerds listening, you will love the discussion on “firstfruits”. They conclude the podcast with encouragement that the truth of eternity with Christ in our future, will help us persevere through the trials we face now.

This interview with Shannon Sergey, founder of Forever Found, is at times deeply theological, sometimes hilariously funny, and often deeply moving. Todd Nighswonger and Billy Kappen interview Shannon as part of a new series with Cornerstone’s ministry partners. Shannon shares some personal details of her life and also the inspiration behind her fight for the marginalized, poor and oppressed. With biblical clarity she calls us to faithfulness in having a heart for those who God calls out in scripture for special care and affection. You will be both convicted and inspired by her testimony and pursuit of freedom for the afflicted.

Today’s podcast is from 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12 and this week Christian asks the question, “why is it important that we understand both the coming judgment of God and also the impending glory of God?” With Todd and Spencer joining the conversation the pastors help us see that these two realities are two sides of the same coin. For those who embrace the truth of scripture, they will see and revel in the glory of God. But for those who refuse the truth of who Jesus is, they will only see destruction and judgment. As difficult as this is for us to understand, our pastors walk us through scripture and help us trust God with the outcomes at the second coming of Christ. They also encourage us to have the mind of Christ toward those who are lost and what our appropriate response should be in seeking their reconciliation with God.

This podcast begins a new teaching series on 2 Thessalonians. Christian takes the lead in the conversation discussing just the first 5 verses in Paul’s letter. But these critical verses set the tone for the entire letter as Paul assures these newer followers of Christ that their suffering is not because they missed the second coming of Christ but rather evidence that they are indeed growing in faith and love and are walking in a manner worthy of the Kingdom of God. Pastors Todd and Spencer join Christian in an insightful discussion of what it means to live rightly in an “upside-down Kingdom” in contrast to our American culture of power-seeking and independent living. You will surely be challenged to rethink what it means for us to live as servants of the eternal King!